How do I provide a reference if I’ve been a SAHM for 10 years?

[Referencetrouble]

My previous employer (big department store) has gone bump. They most likely wouldn’t provide a reference anyway as it’s been so long.
I’ve applied for a few jobs and passed the initial application process but now I’m stressing as there’s no way they’ll employ me without some kind of reference… will they?

Do you have any friends who would do a personal reference? It's what I offered when I went back to work

you could use people to supply personal references .

I mean they’ll see on your CV you’ve not been working for a while and will presumably know the department store you worked for went busy, so I don’t think being unable to provide work references will come as a surprise. Ask if you can supply personal references.

Other option is volunteering and getting a reference from that?

Really? I didn’t think they would accept non work related references.

Have you volunteered? Been a school governor, playgroup helper, had caring responsibilities, parish councillor, any seasonal jobs?
any could generate a reference which may be accepted. Or do you have a professional who could do a character reference.

you could contact the HR dept to ask what their expectations are.

good luck

Yes, I did consider a volunteer role. Unfortunately my DH has been made redundant so I fear I have little time to be without paid employment.

Do you do any sort of volunteering? PTA or something like that? I used the chair of the PTA as one reference (I was secretary) and someone from another volunteer organisation as my second.

If you don't have a recent reference within the past 3 years from paid employment we would accept character references, ideally a reference from some sort of voluntary position (helping at a local group, PTA etc not just 'formal' volunteering for a charity etc).

Sorry, cross posted.

If you've already applied then all you can is hope they'll take a personal reference, but the longer term option would be to look at doing some volunteer work at school or similar?

Does anyone have experience with applying for the big supermarkets, etc? How strict are they with references?

You just need to be honest that your previous employer can't provide a reference because of the reason you've explained.
You obviously can't make one up.
Have you done any volunteering?

I did a personal reference for a friend in a similar position recently, she got the job (not retail though). I asked her to send me the job specification so I could see what they were looking for and based it on her personal traits (reliable, well organised etc).

Having worked at a couple of big supermarkets references have never been asked for or taken up. They also only offer a dates style reference which you print off yourself as required.

Good luck